How Much Does it Cost to Build a 24’x24′ two-car Garage?

Believe it or not, it’s been 100 years since C.G. Johnson found a solution for an efficient garage door that didn’t require drivers to manually open and close this type of enclosure. Herbert Cady Blodgett was so impressed by Johnson’s “upward” garage door idea that he suggested adding electricity to enhance function two years later.

Over time, materials and technology have expanded, but before you decide which garage door suits you, you’ve got to make other more important decisions like the cost to build your garage and other aesthetic, style, and operation decisions.

You’ve already determined the size you want — a 24-x 24-foot two car enclosure — now, it’s time to find out what it will take to get your project started.

What is the Average Cost to Build a 24-x 24-foot Car Garage?

Everything about your location, lot, and the building materials you choose can impact the cost of building your 24-x 24-foot two car garage, but if estimates are your only goal, it’s likely your build-out will cost you around $29,000 (or $50 per square foot) based on 2021-2022 averages.

Estimates gleaned from Home Advisor run between $14,500 and $40,300, so as you can see, you’ll need to be specific when it comes to detail.

Would like a closer approximation based on your zip code? There are several online cost calculators so you can see how much you need to get your project built.

What specific costs are incurred when building a 24-x 24-foot two car garage?

According to Forbes magazine experts, anticipate a big range in cost estimates but here are some parameters you can expect to pay that cover the basics when building your two-car garage:

• Foundation: $4 to $8 per square foot
• Framing: $5 to $13 per square foot
• Siding: $2 to $50 per square foot
• Roofing: $1 to $10 per square foot
• Garage door: $600 to $1500
• Exterior door: $450 to $700
• Exterior windows: $100 to $700
• Interior/exterior lighting: $80 to $900

Additionally, if the foundation material you choose is concrete, you could incur additional costs to install drainage, plumbing and/or an HVAC system.

Some garage builders opt for a finished interior that adds the additional costs of insulation, drywall, and painting to the tab.

Add between $200 and $525 for a garage door opener and if you drive an electric car and want to install your own vehicle charging station, you’ll spend more.

Further if you want to retrofit part of the interior to built-in shelving, you could spend between $500 and $10,000 depending upon the sophistication of your install.

Is it worth building a 24-x 24-foot Garage?

This is no easy question to answer since there are myriad variables that impact this project, but these 5 facts can help you make a more informed decision.

1. Garages add resale value, but depending upon your neighborhood, you may not realize as much appreciation as you hope for. In some cases, says Sotheby’s real estate agent Deb Tomaro, it could cost you more to build than the profit you realize on your home’s future sale.
2. If you live in a good neighborhood where homes sell briskly and building a 2-car structure makes your abode the only one on the block with a garage, you’ll likely see more return on investment.
3. Garages with finished interiors are more valuable than basic garages that have little more than a floor, walls, and a garage door.
4. How long do you plan to stay in this home? If your intention is to turn the house around relatively quickly, there are other ways to increase the home’s value that make more sense.
5. Can you put a price on adding a garage if you live in an area of the country where winters are treacherous, and you rely upon your car to start every morning? That’s up to you to decide.

Is it cheaper to buy a kit or build a garage from scratch?

Unless you happen to be a seasoned construction professional and you’ve got sub-contractors and construction supply retailers on speed dial, kits are time and money savers.

These prefab units come with all the components needed to do the job. If you have tools and understand instructions, your build-out should be successful.

Garage kits (or even car ports) are extremely popular, especially for men and women who enjoy hands-on projects.

You’ll save money since you eliminate labor costs and there’s the pride you experience at having put a structure together on your own. Further, adventurous families love working on a project like this that involves all members.

That stated, not everyone has a knack for this kind of project. If that describes you, think twice before investing in a kit.

Further, if you do love DIY projects and think you can customize your build-out using a kit as your base, think again.

Garage kits produce a generic structure that may not necessarily complement the exterior of your home. Kit garages are not as durable and may not stand up to harsh weather either.

Do you need permits to build a garage?

According to construction professional Jay Behm, “Whether you add an attached or detached garage, a building permit will be required,” but don’t be intimidated by the challenge.

If you’re using a contractor, rely upon his expertise as he has likely to be a pro at filing for building permits that meet local government standards.

Do this on your own and you’ll be responsible for drawing up plans and submitting them to municipal government authorities.

The cost of a permit will depend upon the project’s size, location, and projected costs.

Don’t expect to write a check and leave with your permit. It takes time to process permit applications and the more complicated the design and build, the longer it could. You may even be asked for revisions before your plan is approved.

According to Angi.com, the cost of a building permit needed can run anywhere between $150 to $7,500. According to Home Advisor, a garage conversion cost can be between $1200-$1500.

The national average is around $1300, and this doesn’t include whatever cost you may incur if you must hire a draftsman or architect to produce the blueprint/plans.

Can you DIY a 24- x 24-foot garage?

Yes, you can, especially if you’re an experienced construction pro and know where to go to get plans drawn up, permits obtained and where you can purchase material and hire labor to get the job done.

There’s no reason why you can’t undertake this project solo, either. Just be prepared for delays as part of the process.

Raw material acquisition, weather-related stoppages and other inconveniences make setting a specific deadline for completion a risky proposition and you should expect your patience to be tested.

Should you choose an attached or a detached garage?

Attached units are physically connected to the home and feature a door that connects the house to the garage for easy access.

Detached garages, as the name implies, are standalone structures typically erected next to the house.

It should come as no surprise that both come with pros and cons, so weigh these before you decide.

Attached garages

Pros

• You never have to go outside to access your automobiles
• Your car stays protected from extreme outside elements
• May cost less to build due to proximity to a wall, heating, and plumbing systems already in place
• Attached garages save yard space.
• Aesthetically more pleasing than detached structures.

Cons

• It could be harder to get a permit
• May not add as much resale value to the property as you think
• It’s easier for intruders to get into your house through the garage door
• May be difficult to attach if the house is old and not designed for an appendage.

Detached garages

Pros

• Great for project space that keeps noise from penetrating the home
• Helpful way to get autos covered in inclement weather
• Better security since the garage doesn’t connect to the home
• Fits better on narrow lots
• You may be able to enlarge it at a future date
• Permits are usually cheaper.

Cons

• May take up more yard space than you’re willing to give up
• You could get cold, wet, or otherwise inconvenienced
• Transferring heavy materials to and from the house can be laborious
• You will have to install utility lines since you can’t tap house lines
• Could cost more to enclose 4 sides rather than 3
• Some homeowner’s associations prohibit detached garages.

Resources
https://www.overheaddoor.com/invention-of-the-garage-door
https://homearise.com/cost-build-garage/
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/home-improvement/cost-to-build-garage/
https://www.ownerly.com/home-improvement/how-much-value-does-garage-add/
https://hometipsforwomen.com/is-building-a-garage-addition-a-smart-investment
https://www.classicbuildingsales.com/garage-kits-vs-prebuilt-garages/
https://behmdesign.com/how-to-get-a-garage-building-permit/
https://www.angi.com/articles/what-permits-do-i-need-home-additions.htm
https://clearsurance.com/blog/attached-garage-vs-detached-garage